The DISC Team

Each vertebra plays a role in supporting the body’s structure and facilitating movement. In this article, we will look at the cervical vertebrae, which comprise the upper portion of the spine. Specifically, the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) vertebrae, as they hold special significance.  C5, the fifth cervical vertebra, finds its position just below C4 […]

Foraminal disc protrusion, which is one way that contributes to foraminal stenosis, is a spinal condition that occurs when a disc in the spine extends beyond its normal boundaries and presses on the nerve roots within the foraminal canal. This canal is a passageway through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord and travel to […]

Do you ever have trouble sleeping because your legs and feet feel itchy, tingly or cramped? You may be experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition that affects up to 10% of people in the United States. RLS usually happens at night or when a person has to sit still for a long time.  Depending on its […]

Technology has revolutionized the way we work, communicate and entertain ourselves. However, the constant use of devices like computers, tablets and smartphones has led to a rise in health issues related to poor posture and spinal issues. Prolonged sitting, hunching over devices and carrying heavy bags can all contribute to muscle strain, neck pain, back pain and […]

Chronic neck pain can take a significant toll on your daily routine, activities and life. You likely don’t want to turn to surgery right away. Thankfully, there are many ways to alleviate neck pain naturally.

Swimming is an excellent exercise, and it often feels refreshing to take a dip in the water. It is also beneficial for your health and provides an effective way to relieve back pain. Keep reading this article to discover how swimming can help with back pain.

Neck pain is a common condition that can hinder a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and routines. While some instances of neck pain are temporary and heal fairly quickly, chronic neck pain can persist for months or years without treatment.

Sciatica pain can feel like an all-consuming problem. The pain cuts right through the middle of you, making it hard to ignore. Despite the pain it causes, sciatica is a symptom of a deeper issue in your spine. Since sciatica occurs when something pinches or compresses the sciatic nerve, sciatica treatment often focuses on what causes that problem. In many instances, another spinal condition is the root cause of sciatica. Treatment options are diverse and vary from sciatica treatments at home to non-invasive injections or surgical interventions. Here are nine treatment options for sciatica, including non-surgical and surgical methods.

By Justin Field, MD Smoking is linked to numerous chronic pain symptoms and diseases. As of 2014, over 16 million Americans were living with a smoking-related illness. Many people who smoke cigarettes or use vaping devices also report a common symptom — back pain. This commonality has led many researchers to study the relationship between smoking and back pain. People who experience back pain from smoking may also have undetected spinal conditions. This chronic pain may indicate degenerating cells or worsening bone health, both of which can irrevocably harm your body. However, if patients decrease their nicotine intake early enough, they could see and feel the difference of a healthier spine.

By Justin Field, MD While we may not think of it, posture in the workplace is essential and plays a significant role in our daily health and overall well-being. Poor posture and ineffective workplace ergonomics are leading causes of back pain, muscle stiffness, eye strain, and other complications. Without proper posture and an ergonomic workplace, you may lose motivation and experience adverse health effects. Fortunately, there are numerous tips to consider that can help you improve your posture in the workplace and create a workstation ideal for your height and unique needs. Creating an efficient and comfortable workstation can help you feel more productive and comfortable, allowing you to focus on your responsibilities without distraction.

By Justin Field, MD While back pain often originates from a back injury or spinal complication, many daily activities may also increase the risk of experiencing back pain or discomfort. For example, you may have woken up from a night of sleep where your back felt sore, or you may notice an aching back after a day of sitting at your computer. While these activities are not intense, they can still cause pressure and strain on the back, resulting in ongoing or long-term back pain. These everyday activities may be what leads to your lower back pain or worsens existing discomfort.

By Justin Field, M.D. While technology is often a crucial part of our personal and professional lives, it does come with a few downsides — and neck strain is one of them. Thanks to prolonged computer and phone use, "tech neck" has become an increasingly common issue. Fortunately, you can use a few tips and tricks to fix your tech neck posture. Keep reading to learn more about how to correct tech neck so you can feel better.

By Justin Field, M.D. For many people, back pain feels like a normal part of life. It's estimated that 75% to 85% of Americans experience back pain at some point. Back pain appears in different forms, ranging from a dull ache to shooting pain. Most back pain occurs in the lower back, known as the lumbar region. Half of patients with low back pain episodes will experience recurrent episodes in a year. While most back pain resolves on its own and isn't a sign of something serious, it should be looked at by a doctor in some cases. Your back consists of a spine, muscles, tendons and nerves, so it can be hard to figure what's causing the pain on your own. If you don't know what's causing the pain, you won't know how to treat it. By going to a doctor for back pain, you can take steps toward feeling better again. A doctor who specializes in spinal conditions can determine the cause of your pain and initiate an effective treatment. They can also treat a condition that might otherwise get worse with time. So, how do you know when you should see a doctor about lower back pain? Let's look at common causes of back pain and symptoms that call for a professional examination.